Croatia battling wildfires on Adriatic coast, islands at height of tourist season

Croatian firefighters work to control a large forest fire in the village of Zabrdje on the Peljesec peninsula in southern Croatia, Friday, July, 24, 2015. Volunteers, military and Croatian firefighters are struggling to cope with raging forest fires on the country's Adriatic coast. The Peljesac peninsula is facing a blaze that has forced hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate. (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
(The Associated Press)

Croatian firefighters work to control a large forest fire in the village of Zabrdje on the Peljesec peninsula in southern Croatia, Friday, July, 24, 2015. Volunteers, military and Croatian firefighters are struggling to cope with raging forest fires on the country's Adriatic coast. The Peljesac peninsula is facing a blaze that has forced hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate. (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
(The Associated Press)

Croatian fire workers try to control a large forest fire in the village of Ponikve on the Peljesec peninsula in southern part of Croatia, Thursday July 23, 2015. Volunteers, military and Croatian fire fighters are struggling to cope with raging forest fires on its Adriatic coast. The biggest blaze has forced hundreds of residents and tourists to evacuate, at the height of the tourist season. (AP Photo/Amel Emric)
(The Associated Press)

ZAGREB, Croatia – Croatian firefighters have been stretched to their limits as they struggle to contain raging wildfires on the Adriatic coast and islands at the height of tourist season.

Two huge fires have swept through the Peljesac peninsula, forcing evacuation of villages and destroying large areas of olive groves, pine forests and vineyards.

The blaze has occasionally cut off the main road and power supplies since it erupted earlier this week. Associated Press reporters said hot winds on Friday have undermined efforts by firefighters, backed by planes and helicopters.

Fires also have swept through the islands of Korcula and Brac and on several other spots amid extremely high summer temperatures.

Police say they detained a 24-year-old woman suspected of deliberately setting several small fires on Korcula.